New American Funding Blog

If you recently purchased your first home, you might find that your house offers more space than you are used to in smaller apartments and studios. If you have a second bedroom, but aren't anticipating or expecting someone to occupy the room anytime soon, consider turning the space into something fun that you can use and enjoy.

Namaste in your home yoga studio

If you enjoy the peaceful, calm and challenging elements of regularly practicing yoga, consider turning your second bedroom into a tranquil space for you to work on perfecting your seated forward bend or double big toe hold.

The Yoga Journal recommended painting the space a soothing color. This can help you relax while in the space. Lighting is another factor that can impact your ability to relieve stress within the room.

"Don't underestimate lighting. It's incredibly important and has a huge impact on your mood and well-being," said Jennifer Jones, principal designer at Niche Interiors. "If possible, install dimmer switches on overhead lights and purchase lamps with a three-way switch. Lightweight cotton drapes are also a great option to help with light filtering and privacy, as well as adding softness to a space."

Make sure that you feel comfortable in the room. Share Yoga recommended sitting down in the space and adding more pillows, matting and cushions if necessary.

Don't forget to include candles and incense to calm yourself when practicing yoga in the space.

Improving yourself in your own home gym

If you are more interested in building muscle mass, or toning your arms and legs by rowing or running on a treadmill, you may want to transform your spare bedroom into a home gym. Having a space dedicated to your physical fitness can save you time and money on gym membership fees.

Let your imagination run wild when deciding what to include in the space. If you have the funds, consider installing rock walls, punching bags or other fun features that help improve your overall fitness. You can still incorporate creativity on a modest budget. Consider painting a wall with chalkboard paint and write down goals and charts that can help you visually track your progress.

It is also important that you invest in mats for your floors. In addition to protecting your floors, a soft cushion helps support your joints when you are lifting weights.

Home is where the beer is

Home brewing has become increasingly more popular across the U.S. You may want to consider designating a room to the process of making, drinking and enjoying the fruits of your labor. You can turn a spare room into a bar or a seating area, as well as a storage space for all of your brews and beer-making supplies.

First decide whether you would like to actually renovate the space into a home bar. This may require more of a commitment than designing the space as a seating area. However, if you are not anticipating the room to have any other use in the future, a bar might be a fun addition that can add value to your home. If you decide to simply turn the space into a relaxed seating area with a card or coffee table, you can easily switch the purpose of the room if you find your needs have changed.

Anyone can easily start brewing beer of their own using affordable equipment. A homebrew starter kit can be under $100.00, according to The How-To Homebrew Beer Magazine. As you develop a deeper understanding of the art of brewing beer in your own home, you can start developing your own blends and mixtures.

Cultivate your passions

You might also consider turning your extra room into a place where you can whisk away and get creative. Whether you enjoy painting, writing or crafting Pinterest projects, you can easily set up an area to spend time away from the stresses of life and complete something for yourself.

You will likely need a table, seating and storage. If you plan to paint in the space, select furniture and flooring or carpeting that can suffer from potential splatters. You might even consider incorporating splashes of color into your design.

Consider investing in quality speakers or a television so that you can enjoy listening to your favorite music or watching the next episode of that must-see series while you are working on a project. You want to ensure this space is fun and enjoyable for you to take some time for yourself to just relax or dedicate energy to your unique creations.

When you move into a new home, be creative with your room designs. If you have any extra space, don't hesitate to give it a unique purpose that fits your lifestyle and tailor your home to your wants and needs.